The Seton Hill Association (SHA) board is considering updating the association bylaws after 15 years. The board is requesting feedback from the general membership regarding two of the proposed amendments to the bylaws:
1. Require the board and general membership to seek consensus when taking action. In the event a consensus cannot be reached, a vote may occur.
2. Expand the boundaries for eligibility to become a voting member to include all areas within the Seton Hill Neighborhood Statistical Area, as defined by the Baltimore City Department of Planning. (See the map at the end of this email)
The board believes that expanding the boundaries for eligibility would allow SHA to:
- Recruit new members who live in areas commonly associated with Seton Hill and increase participation in activities, meetings, and committees.
- Increase the number of businesses and institutions (e.g. Urban League, Mt Calvary Church, and Arena Players) that are eligible for voting membership.
- Increase the number of members who identify with under-represented groups, including people of color, renters, and people with low incomes.
- Better represent Seton Hill neighbors, business, and institutions that are not eligible for membership in any neighborhood organization.
- Preserve the historic character of the neighborhood while fostering a stronger shared neighborhood identity with surrounding areas.
- Develop closer relationships of mutual trust to improve the quality of life in Seton Hill.
The current SHA boundaries have not been modified in over 40 years, despite changes to the surrounding area like the construction of MLK Blvd. The board believes modernization of these boundaries would better reflect the neighborhood’s identity.
Request for feedback: The board is requesting feedback on these two proposed changes to the bylaws. You may provide feedback in one of two ways:
- Attend the general meeting on April 11th
- Email president@setonhill.org by May 1st
Next steps: The board will be requesting feedback from members and other residents, institutions, and businesses associated with Seton Hill over the next two months. After listening to Seton Hillers, the board may schedule a vote by the general membership on proposed amendments to the bylaws at a later date in accordance with the requirements of the bylaws. To be eligible to participate in any future vote, you must: (1) be a member in good standing and (2) have attended at least one meeting as a member within the last 6 months.
The current bylaws may be found at https://setonhill.org/bylaws/
